Sports Chat Hub
Rodri- Rodri had an incredible individual season last year, he is the paramount midfielder for Manchester City and he scored some key goals for them. He managed to rack up 12 goals and 15 assists and was also key to Spain's Euro victory picking up player of the tournament which may be enough to tip him over the edge in the Ballon d’Or race. He is by far the best defensive midfielder in the world and the Spain international has picked up the habit of scoring key goals including the strike that sealed a record-breaking fourth Premier League in a row for Manchester City.
Bellingham- There is no need for an introduction to Jude Bellingham. In his first season at Real Madrid, he was able to win the treble by winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup where he contributed key goals in both El Classico’s and across all competitions he was a part of this season he was able to rack up 27 goals and 15 assists, outstanding numbers for a midfielder. He was also the key player in England making the Euro Finals scoring two key goals, including a bicycle kick in the closing moments against Slovakia which allowed England to progress. If England had come out on top there would be no doubt that this man won the golden ball, however, Southgate’s side falling short most likely leaves him on the podium.
Vini Jr- Similarly to Jude Bellingham this man was so integral to Real Madrid being successful this season. However, he was not able to contribute quite as much, only scoring 26 goals and racking up 12 assists, however, he did score the winning second goal against Borussia Dortmund in the final of the UCL. However, his summer at the Copa America didn't go quite as he had planned, or as well as Jude Bellingham did. He was able to score 2 goals in the group stages against Panama but was ruled out by suspension from the quarter-final against Uruguay where he watched his team crumble on penalties. For this reason, he is behind Jude Bellingham.
Carvajal- Again, a Real Madrid player, this shows how good of a team they were last season as at 34 Dani Carvajal was one of their best players and cements himself as a Ballon d'Or contender. He stepped up in big moments for his boyhood club picking up key goals and assists but also enforced the right side of Madrid’s defence. Carvajal was also first on the score sheet in the Champions League final scoring a header to give Madrid the lead. He carried this form onto the international stage with Spain and helped them win a record-breaking 4th European Championship. For this reason, he makes the list at 4.
Lautaro- This man has made quite a name for himself in recent years after incredible performances in Serie A as well as being key in Argentina’s World Cup victory and again this season, he has been one of the best strikers in the world, potentially the best? 35 goals, 8 assists, The Copa America, Seria A and the Italian Super Cup. There isn’t a much better season a player could wish for, however, he failed to show up in a big moment again leading to Inter Milan’s expulsion from the Champions League in the last 16. This was one of his only dark moments this season as he tore up Seria A and then also helped Argentina and Lionel Messi secure a consecutive Copa America victory and a fourth back-to-back international trophy if the Finalissima is included. He was able to win the Golden Boot at the Copa America and in the absence of Messi he was able to score the extra-time winner that secured their victory.
Phil Foden- The PFA player of the year aka the Stockport Iniesta proved how good he is this season in the Premier League picking up 28 goals across all competitions and was able to win the Club World Cup, the Premier League and the UEFA Super Cup. However, his astonishing form in the Premier League didn't continue with England and he failed again to make an impact for the Three Lions and was played over a player who made a key difference when playing in Cole Palmer.
Mbappe- Now he has arrived at Real Madrid, it wouldn't be surprising to see this man pick up the Ballon d’Or soon but this year is not his year, despite his astonishing 51 goals 12 assists and a domestic treble in France, he and PSG were unable to make bounds in the Champions League and were kicked out by Borussia Dortmund in the Semi-Finals. He also failed, for the first time, to really put his mark on the France National Team. His and France’s poor form left them booted out by Spain and left Mbappe down here on our Ballon d’Or ranking despite such an incredible solo season.
Kane- 52 goals and 14 assists. When you read the stats you may wonder why we have put Harry Kane this far down, however, his move to Bayern Munich was meant to secure him a trophy, especially the league something they won 11 times back-to-back before this season. He also failed to make his mark on the UCL with him and Bayern being kicked out in the Semi-Finals by eventual champions Madrid. His form didn't rise with England and he was invisible compared to the Harry Kane seen in previous tournaments, landing him here.
Lamine Yamal- Although he is young Yamal could have a shout to do well in the Ballon d’Or he racked up 10 goals and 18 assists and although Barça missed out on winning with him, Spain didn't and he was key to them winning as well as scoring a wonder goal to win the game against France after receiving criticism from French player Adrien Rabiot, who he shot the ball in front of.
Nico Williams- Finally, Yamal’s wing partner, Nico Williams. He racked up 11 goals and 25 assists and was able to win a domestic trophy in the Copa De Espana as well as performing for his country when it was most important at Euro 2024 and was constantly using his pace and skill to brutalise defenders.